Tuesday, June 22, 2010

CNN PREMIERES GARY AND TONY HAVE A BABY ON JUNE 24th AT 8 PMSoledad O’Brien Tells the Story of a Gay Couple’s Journey to Have a Baby

Soledad O’Brien reports on the story of two gay men who want nothing more than what they each had growing up - a traditional family - and a child of their own. O’Brien reports a revealing one-hour CNN documentary that follows Gary Spino and Tony Brown on their struggle to have a baby that has a biological and legal connection to both of them via an egg donor and a surrogate. Gary and Tony Have a Baby premieres on CNN on Thursday, June 24 at 8pm ET & PT and on CNN International on Saturday, June 26 at 8am ET.Both Gary and Tony grew up in small towns and were subjected to considerable ridicule and harassment for being gay. They found love in New York City and chose to fight for gay equality for the rest of their lives. Together for years, Gary and Tony took the next step and married in Canada where same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, unlike in the United States where their marriage is not recognized.After their marriage, they wanted what many Americans have - a family of their own - however the steep costs associated with surrogacy and an egg donor can be restrictive for any couple, including Gary and Tony. It was not until one of their neighbors left them an inheritance that they were able to start the family they always desired. O'Brien uncovers their ensuing social, political and legal challenges they faced on their journey to have a baby.Said O’Brien, "The journey of Gary and Tony Have a Baby is a compelling story of a dream fulfilled that is unknown to much of America. Unlike most heterosexual couples who are able to have their own biological children, this gay couple faces remarkable challenges and overcomes immense obstacles to have their own baby."